Pro Football RumorsDamon Harrison – Pro Football Rumorshttps://www.profootballrumors.com
NFL Rumors: Trades, Free Agency, DraftThu, 21 Mar 2019 18:06:39 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.9NFC East Notes: Giants, Cowboys, Brownhttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2019/03/nfc-east-notes-giants-collins-jpp-harrison-free-agency-lee-cowboys-eagles-brown
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2019/03/nfc-east-notes-giants-collins-jpp-harrison-free-agency-lee-cowboys-eagles-brown#commentsSat, 09 Mar 2019 20:33:19 +0000https://www.profootballrumors.com/?p=134419With Landon Collins and Olivier Vernon out of the picture, the Giants‘ defense has plenty of needs. Second-year GM Dave Gettleman has also jettisoned Jason Pierre-Paul, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Eli Apple and Damon Harrison from the team since taking over. Collins’ reputation as a box safety, albeit one of the best in the NFL, looks to have played into the Giants’ reasoning for refusing to use an $11MM-plus franchise tag on him, with Ralph Vacchiano of SNY noting the team did not always believe the All-Pro defender was an adequate cover man. Gettleman considered the contracts handed out to both Pierre-Paul and Harrison as onerous, and Vacchiano adds neither Pro Bowl player was viewed as a plus locker room presence. That said, the Giants have one of the least talented defenses in the NFL, boasting deficiencies at nearly every spot going into free agency. It would seem that would be where Gettleman looks to improve in the next two months.

Here is more out of the Big Apple and the latest from the NFC East:

While the Giants already have two monster contracts on their offensive line now, having acquired Kevin Zeitler‘s $12MM-AAV deal, they are going to pursue a right tackle in free agency. Big Blue will “almost certainly” add a right tackle on the market, per Vacchiano, who adds former Gettleman draftee Daryl Williams may be a top target. Williams was a fourth-round Gettleman pick in 2015 but is coming off an injury-nullified season. The Giants tried to sign former Gettleman find Andrew Norwell last year, so Williams will be a name to monitor in the coming days.

Sean Lee‘s Cowboysrestructure will slash his 2019 salary from $7MM to $3.5MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Although Lee has seen younger linebackers replace him as Dallas’ go-to second-level defenders, the Cowboys will keep the veteran around. One season remains on Lee’s contract.

If the Raiders are now the team to beat regarding Antonio Brown, the Eagles should not be completely discounted. Philadelphia is the other destination CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora is hearing in the Brown sweepstakes as of Saturday (Twitter link). The Eagles have been hard at work clearing cap space; they are north of $24MM now — before Michael Bennett‘s $6.2MM salary comes off their books. It would be interesting to see the team clear so much off its roster to add a player who has produced so much drama, but the Eagles have not been averse to splash moves in recent years.

Connected to a safety upgrade for many months, the Cowboys may opt to seek second-tier options at this position. Extensions for their homegrown standouts may price the Cowboys out of the high-end safeties on this year’s market, Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. The Cowboys remain connected to Earl Thomas, and Richard Sherman said recently his former teammate would choose Dallas if the offers were equal. Another report confirmed no discount was coming. But they may well not end up being equal, complicating this long-rumored partnership. But plenty of safety help will be available next week.

]]>4Extra Points: Haley, Browns, Patriots, Kendricks, Seahawks, Harrison, Lionshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/10/extra-points-haley-browns-patriots-kendricks-seahawks-harrison-lions
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/10/extra-points-haley-browns-patriots-kendricks-seahawks-harrison-lions#commentsFri, 26 Oct 2018 23:27:56 +0000https://www.profootballrumors.com/?p=122605Rumors of clashing egos within the Browns’ coaching staff have been swirling ever since HBO cameras picked up some internal disagreements on Hard Knocks, and coach Hue Jackson recently added fuel to the fire. After a pair of disappointing Browns losses, Jackson hinted he was going to take back more control of the offense, seemingly taking shots at offensive coordinator Todd Haley in the process.

But Haley is pushing back on reports of a feud, saying he and Jackson are on the “same page”, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN. It’s highly possible, if not likely, that Haley is just saying that to the media and that there actually is bad blood behind the scenes. Haley and Jackson have never seemed like a perfect match for the Browns, and tensions are high with everyone’s jobs in danger. Jackson is backing off his initial comments and expressing more confidence in Haley, McManamon writes, but it will still be something to monitor going forward, and firings could be imminent.

Here’s more from around the league:

In addition to working out former Raiders second round pick Obi Melifonwutoday, the Patriots also had a pair of other players in for tryouts. They had “TE Ben Koyack (Notre Dame), S Dexter McCoil (Tulsa) in for free-agent workouts today”, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN (Twitter link). Koyack has been with the Jaguars the past few years, and caught the game winning touchdown in Jacksonville’s first playoff game last year.

Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks has been suspended indefinitely by the league, and while he’s working to negotiate an agreement with the league office, there’s still no word on when he’ll be able to return. Coach Peter Carroll “says he has been in communication” with the league and while there’s been no “definitive word” they’re “hoping for more clarity early next week”, according to Bob Condotta of The Athletic (Twitter link). Kendricks was suspended due to being charged with insider trading, which led to his release from the Browns earlier this year.

Damon Harrison was traded from the Giants to the Lions earlier this week, and now we have more details on the trade. It was reported that Harrison was traded for a fifth round pick, but that pick is apparently conditional, according to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer (Twitter link). Balzer doesn’t state what the conditions are, but it’s fair to assume they’re related to snaps or games played.

The Giants signed Snacks to a five-year, $46.25MM deal in 2016. Harrison, for the most part, has been as good as advertised – few can bottle up runners like he can, and he presently ranks as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 ranked interior defensive lineman in the NFL. However, his salary is steep, he’s one-dimensional compared to other top defensive tackles in the NFL, and he only plays on about 55% of snaps.

The Giants’ new regime appears to be all-in on a rebuild after moving cornerback Eli Apple on Tuesday and Harrison on Wednesday. With his 30th birthday coming up in about a month, Harrison and his hefty salary did not factor into Dave Gettleman‘s vision of the future. By moving Snacks, the Giants will save $4.6MM this year. Between him and Apple, the G-Men took $5.7MM off of the books.

The Lions, meanwhile, pick up a defensive tackle who stuffs the run the way that Dikembe Mutumbo shut down the finger roll. For years, Snacks has ranked as one of the NFL’s best ground game stuffers, and he hasn’t missed a game since his rookie season with the Jets.

Through Week 7, the Lions have allowed 139.3 rushing yards per game, better than only the porous Broncos and Falcons defenses. With Harrison in the lineup, you can expect that to change in short order.

The Lions were forced to go out-of-house at defensive tackle this year and wound up signing Sylvester Williams and Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owner Ricky Jean-Francois in free agency. Neither player has set the world on fire, so head coach Matt Patricia won’t lose sleep over pulling either player from the starting lineup.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

]]>20NFC East Notes: Cousins, Giants, JPP, Harrisonhttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/05/kirk-cousins-giants-jpp
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/05/kirk-cousins-giants-jpp#respondMon, 16 May 2016 16:07:25 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=29234Washington general manager Scot McCloughan says that quarterback Kirk Cousins will be here “a long time,” as John Keim of ESPN.com writes. Of course, as of today, Cousins is still slated to play under the franchise tag for the 2016 season. For his part, Cousins acknowledged that extension talks will likely heat up as the July 15th deadline approaches, Tarik El-Bashir of CSNWashington.com tweets.

Washington can’t afford to lose Cousins and they also can’t really afford to franchise tag him for a second time at ~$24MM in 2017. If the team were to do that, more than 25% of their cap space would be dedicated to Cousins and pricey new addition Josh Norman.

While we wait to see how that plays out, here’s a look at the NFC East:

More from Graziano, who writes that run-stuffer Damon Harrison will team with Johnathan Hankins on early downs. While Snacks’ $9.5MM/year salary might seem high for a two-down player, the Giants firmly believe that he will benefit them on third downs by lengthening the distance their opponent has to go with his work on first and second downs. Giants opponents converted 47% of third-down opportunities in 2016, the highest figure in the league, so Big Blue needs Harrison to help set the tone.

Jordan Reed’s contract extension lets other Washington players know that they will get paid if they work hard and produce, Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic writes. Reed, a third-round pick in the 2013 draft, inked a five-year, $48.4MM deal that includes $22MM in guarantees. Reed set career highs in games played (14), receptions (87), receiving yards (952), and touchdowns (11) in 2015. “It’s a great message to send to the rest of the guys, man,” coach Jay Gruden said. “You work hard, you produce, good things will happen, and it did for Jordan. He’s a great kid and obviously we have high aspirations for him.”

WEDNESDAY, 2:07pm: It’s a five-year, $46.25MM deal for Harrison, per Rand Getlin of NFL.com (on Twitter). The deal is worth $9.25MM per year with $24MM guaranteed and $30MM over the first three years (link).

1:56pm: Snacks will get $24MM guaranteed on his deal and an average of $9MM per year, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweets. The deal, presumably, is for at least four years and potentially five.

1:51pm: The Giants have reached agreement on a deal with nose tackle Damon Harrison, according to Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger. The former Jet will earn something in the neighborhood of $8-9MM per season on his new deal with Big Blue.

The Giants have been connected to Harrison this week as they look to beef up their defensive line. Harrison, who spent the first four years of his career with the Jets, was Pro Football Focus’ top ranked run defender in 2015.

Multiple teams were said to be competing to host Harrison on his first visit but it appears that the Giants have won out by signing him. We heard on Monday that while plenty of teams had interest, the Titans appeared to be the club most willing to meet Harrison‘s asking price. The Jets also wanted to retain their standout nose tackle, but given all the suitors in play, the price apparently got higher than they were comfortable with. Of course, the Jets have a few less dollars than they did last week after committing $15MM to Muhammad Wilkerson.

]]>0Contract Details: Harrison, Benjamin, Massiehttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/contract-details-harrison-benjamin-massie
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/contract-details-harrison-benjamin-massie#respondThu, 10 Mar 2016 19:55:37 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=26565Here are some of the latest details on recently agreed-upon or signed contracts from around the NFL. All Twitter links are courtesy of Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle unless otherwise indicated…

]]>0Free Agent Rumors: Browns, Harrison, Titanshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/free-agent-rumors-browns-damon-harrison
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/free-agent-rumors-browns-damon-harrison#respondWed, 09 Mar 2016 15:42:34 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=26267The Browns have had a knack for stealing headlines in recent years, but that trend could come to a halt this offseason. New Browns executive vice president Sashi Brown is not looking to make a splash in free agency, various agents tell Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Browns already lost out on one significant free agent target today when Marvin Jonessigned a lucrative deal with the Lions.

Here are the latest free agent rumors:

There’s nothing brewing right now between the Titans and free agent defensive tackle Damon Harrison, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets.

Safety Tashaun Gipson is a longshot for the Eagles but it’s not out of the question, Geoff Mosher of 97.5 The Fanatic (on Twitter) hears.

The Rams are in good position to bring back linebacker/safety Mark Barron, a league source tells Vincent Bonsignore of the Daily News (on Twitter).

The Jets are sniffing around the free agent tackle market and that could spell the end of Breno Giacomini in New York, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports tweets.

]]>0Giants Among Teams Pursuing Damon Harrisonhttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/giants-jets-free-agent-damon-harrison
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/03/giants-jets-free-agent-damon-harrison#respondTue, 08 Mar 2016 19:48:57 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=26143The Giants are among the teams gunning for free agent nose tackle Damon Harrison, multiple sources tell Jordan Raanan of the Star-Ledger. Harrison, who spent the first four years of his career with the Jets, was Pro Football Focus’ top ranked run defender in 2015.

Multiple teams are competing to host Harrison on his first visit since they know it’ll give them a leg up on the competition, according to Rand Getlin of NFL.com (on Twitter). We heard on Monday that while plenty of teams have interest, the Titans appear to be the club most willing to meet Harrison‘s asking price. The Jets would love to retain their standout nose tackle, but given all the suitors expected to be in play, the price will be high. Of course, the Jets have a few less dollars than they did last week after committing $15MM to Muhammad Wilkerson.

Harrison is ranked No. 8 on PFR’s Top 50 NFL Free Agents list for this offseason. Because he’s more of a run-stopping specialist than a pass rusher, Harrison may have a ceiling on his earning potential, but he should be at the top of the list for any team in need of interior line help.

While plenty of teams will have interest, the Titans appear to be the club most willing to meet Damon Harrison‘s asking price, according to Cole (video link). The Jets would love to retain their standout nose tackle, but given all the suitors expected to be in play, the price will be high. That may be an issue for the Jets, who have already committed $15MM+ to Muhammad Wilkerson.

The Dolphins may ultimately decide to pull the transition tag they placed on defensive end Olivier Vernon last week, says Cole (video link). As Cole explains, if the Dolphins decide not to match an offer sheet for Vernon, the pass rusher wouldn’t factor into the compensatory pick formula for 2017, since only departing unrestricted free agents can earn teams extra picks. So if Miami senses the bidding on Vernon will be too high, the team may surrender its right to match an offer, in order to regain the $12MM+ in cap room and line itself up for a mid-round 2017 comp pick.

Free agent center Alex Mack has generated “extensive interest” from the Falcons, per Cole (video link). Cole says the Jaguars, who signed Mack to an offer sheet in 2014, don’t have as much interest this time around, and adds that the Rams have expressed some interest, but aren’t expected to be serious contenders.

The “rumor late last week” was that defensive end Robert Ayers was looking for $10MM per year from the Giants, tweets Cole. While it’s possible that was Ayers’ starting point in negotiations, it seems extremely unlikely that he’d actually land that kind of salary. Ayers had a strong year in 2015, but it’s the first time he had more than 5.5 sacks in a season, and he’ll be turning 31 this year.

The quarterback-needy Texans are likely to go after Brock Osweiler if he doesn’t re-sign with the Broncos, per CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (Twitter link).

If Peyton Manning – whom Osweiler has backed up since entering the NFL in 2012 – returns for his age-40 season and the Broncos release him, the Texans and Rams could pursue the future Hall of Famer, writes Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. Should Manning elect against retirement, Denver is expected to cut the two-time Super Bowl champion by March 8 and save $19MM on its cap. A good portion of that money would go to linebacker Von Miller, who is looking for a deal similar to what Miami gave defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh last winter (six years, $114MM, with $60MM in guarantees), reports Marvez.

It’ll take a “major reversal” for Jets defensive tackle Damon Harrison to not reach the open market, according to La Canfora (Twitter link). “Snacks” stated earlier this month that he and the Jets were making progress toward a deal, but that no longer appears to be the case. The 27-year-old was Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked interior defender against the run last season (subscription required).

The Chiefs are working hard to retain linebacker Tamba Hali, whom they’ll meet with later this week, reports La Canfora (Twitter link). Hali has so far spent his entire career in Kansas City, which used a first-round pick on him in 2006. The 32-year-old has piled up 86 sacks (6.5 last season) while missing just four regular-season games in his decade-long career.

Speaking of players whose careers have been spent in one place, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane hopes to extend his nine-year tenure with the Seahawks. “I’d love to be back out there in Seattle, finish my career in Seattle,” the 2007 third-rounder told 710 ESPN. However, Mebane added that he’ll probably visit other teams. Mebane’s status is one of many issues PFR addressed in its offseason preview of the Seahawks on Sunday. Click here to read it.

]]>5AFC East Rumors: Bills, Dolphins, Jetshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/afc-east-rumors-bills-dolphins-jets
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/afc-east-rumors-bills-dolphins-jets#respondSat, 27 Feb 2016 23:56:07 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=25444Three of the AFC East’s four teams are in the news. Here’s the latest:

As free agency approaches, the Bills are working to retain their two best offensive linemen – left tackle Cordy Glenn and left guard Richie Incognito – writes CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora. We learned this afternoon that the Bills intend to place the franchise tag on Glenn if he hasn’t agreed to a long-term deal by the March 1 deadline. Contrary to a report from earlier this week, the Bills aren’t currently looking to extend contract-year quarterback Tyrod Taylor, per La Canfora, who adds that they’re instead focusing on locking up cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Moreover, they’ll release defensive end Mario Williams and running back Anthony Dixon, and could restructure the contracts of safety Corey Graham, corner Leodis McKelvin, and possibly defensive lineman Kyle Williams. With some of the cap space those moves would create, La Canfora expects the Bills to pursue free agent-to-be Bilal Powell. The 27-year-old running back played under Bills head coach Rex Ryan as a member of the Jets from 2011-14. Powell averaged a career-high 4.5 yards per carry on 70 attempts last season and added a personal-best 47 receptions.

The Dolphins want to rework the contract of defensive end Cameron Wake, according to La Canfora. The problem, he notes, is that Wake would likely match or exceed the $8.4MM he’s scheduled to make as a Dolphin next season if they release him and he reaches the open market. Thus, the 34-year-old lacks incentive to take a pay cut. Not surprisingly, then, talks between the Dolphins and Wake’s agent made no progress at the combine.

With two ex-Jets bigwigs in Buffalo (Ryan) and Miami (executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum), representatives of pending Jets free agents said at the combine that the Bills and Dolphins could be landing spots for their clients, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. That seems to corroborate La Canfora’s report that the Bills will try to reel in Powell in free agency. Further, the Bills and Dolphins could go after Jets run-stuffing defensive tackle Damon Harrison if he hits the market, per Costello, though he notes that the teams’ lack of cap space might serve as roadblocks. Even so, Harrison could use those clubs as leverage to scare the Jets into meeting his demands.

]]>0Jets Rumors: Wilkerson, Cromartie, Harrisonhttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/jets-rumors-wilkerson-cromartie-damon-harrison
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/jets-rumors-wilkerson-cromartie-damon-harrison#respondThu, 25 Feb 2016 00:33:28 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=25322Jets head coach Todd Bowles says cutting Antonio Cromartie was a “hard decision,” but the team needed to upgrade the position, as Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets. There’s a chance he could still return, according to the coach, but in the opinion of Brian Costello of the New York Post (on Twitter), it sounds like he has moved on from Cromartie.

Here’s more on Gang Green:

Bowles said the team has not made a decision on the franchise tag regarding Muhammad Wilkerson, Brian Costello of the New York Post tweets. Maccagnan, meanwhile, says the organization has a good idea as to whether it will place the franchise tag on Wilkerson (Twitter link via Manish Mehta of the Daily News).

Maccagnan claims Damon Harrison and Wilkerson are “both options” for the franchise tag, as Cimini tweets. I have a hard time imagining that the Jets would use the tag on Harrison, even though he is a very valuable nose tackle.

Maccagnan says it’s “not outside realm of possibilities” they keep Wilkerson plus their two young defensive ends long term, but that’s a significant investment for the team (Twitter link via Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports).

GM Mike Maccagnan says he has scheduled meetings with agents of all his free agents, Cimini tweets.

]]>0Latest On Jets, Damon Harrisonhttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/latest-new-york-jets-damon-harrison
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/latest-new-york-jets-damon-harrison#respondWed, 17 Feb 2016 00:37:42 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=25000Jets defensive tackle Damon Harrison is eligible to hit free agency in a few weeks but if he has his druthers, he won’t be going anywhere. On Tuesday, Harrison told Sirius XM NFL Radio (audio link) that he wants to stay with the Jets. And while no deal is done yet, Harrison says that the two sides are getting closer to an agreement.

“I think we are headed in the right direction with a deal getting done, but I understand that the NFL is a business,” Harrison said.

For the last few years, the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus have been very high on Harrison’s work. In 2015, Pro Football Focus (sub. req’d) gave Harrison a 91.9 overall grade, placing him as the 7th best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. Harrison played in only half of Gang Green’s snaps, but he is incredibly vital to the Jets’ 3-4 front and could get big bucks from another club looking for a tough, physical nose tackle. As a result, the Jets’ best chance to retain Harrison might be to work out a long-term deal prior to the start of free agency.

Harrison, 27, has started in all 16 regular season games in each of the last three seasons. Last year, Harrison recorded a career-high 72 tackles and also notched a forced fumble.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

]]>0East Notes: Vernon, L. Miller, Patriotshttps://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/east-notes-vernon-l-miller-patriots
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2016/02/east-notes-vernon-l-miller-patriots#respondSun, 07 Feb 2016 18:54:22 +0000https://pfr.traderumors.com/?p=24658Earlier today, we heard a report that the Eagles are not planning to use the franchise tag on Sam Bradford, while the team may have some interest in reacquiring Nick Foles. While some cold water was quickly thrown on that rumor, it will remain a situation worth monitoring. The following links from around the league’s east divisions are also of note:

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that the Dolphins place more importance on retaining DE Olivier Vernon than RB Lamar Miller, as they believe they have an in-house option to replace Miller (Jay Ajayi), while the same cannot be said for Vernon. Jackson notes, however, that Miami will attempt to re-sign both, and the franchise tag remains an option for Vernon.

Although the Patriots rarely make a big splash in free agency, Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com says the team will at least explore the possibility of acquiring Matt Forte, who would not have to be the workhorse he has been in Chicago to have a significant impact on New England’s offense.

In the same piece, Reiss examines what a potential extension would look like for Patriots DE Chandler Jones, and Reiss looks to Vinny Curry‘s recent five-year $47.25MM deal with the Eagles as a floor, as Jones is the superior player. It has been speculated for some time now that New England will not retain Jones beyond 2016.

Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com believes the Jets will try to re-sign Damon Harrison before he hits the open market, but if they fail to do so, Cimini believes Harrison will sign elsewhere (Twitter link).

John Keim of ESPN.com writes that Washington‘s biggest needs are on the defensive side of the ball, and to that end he believes the team should focus on adding depth along the defensive line and at the cornerback position while nabbing a safety in the early rounds of the draft.

One player who would certainly fit Washington‘s needs would be Denver DE Malik Jackson, according to Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com. But as Tandler observes, Jackson will be in high demand and could end up out of Washington’s price range as a result.

While the Ravens could certainly use a playmaker on defense, Jamison Hensley doesn’t believe the team will sign Von Miller. The talented linebacker is a free agent, but Hensley is convinced he’s going to return to the Broncos.

Hensley also believes the Ravens will end up staying pat with the sixth pick of the draft, but he notes that general manager Ozzie Newsome has previously shown a willingness to trade back.